Multilevel Factors Associated with Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Timely Diagnosis of Dementia in US Older Adults
2024

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Timely Dementia Diagnosis

Sample size: 1998 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Qian Yuting, Li Fan, Chen Xi

Primary Institution: Yale University

Hypothesis

What factors contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in timely dementia diagnosis among older adults in the U.S.?

Conclusion

Racial and ethnic disparities in timely dementia diagnosis can be significantly reduced by considering individual and neighborhood factors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic older adults are less likely to receive timely dementia diagnoses compared to White older adults.
  • Adjusting for individual and neighborhood factors significantly reduced the disparities in diagnosis.
  • Household income and education were the largest contributors to the disparity in timely diagnosis.

Takeaway

Some older adults, especially Black and Hispanic ones, have a harder time getting diagnosed with dementia compared to White older adults, but this can change if we look at their backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study linked with neighborhood data to assess factors affecting dementia diagnosis.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in self-reported data and neighborhood data may affect results.

Limitations

The study may not account for all individual and neighborhood factors influencing diagnosis.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on U.S. older adults, particularly non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and White individuals.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.60

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.48-0.76

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1496

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